The Leonard Hotel

"3.5 rounded up. The staff was very nice and the location was perfect - close to shopping and easy public transport. Several adorable cafes within walking distance. There was nothing dramatically awful about this place, but lots of little things that were just disappointing when we were expecting and paying for higher quality. The soap dispensers in the shower didn’t work, the shower head was finicky, there was one pillow per person and when I called for an extra I was told they were out, general drabbiness of the decor, etc. All little things and didn’t affect our overall positive experience, I would stay again, but it could be truly great if given a little love!"

"Shockingly Poor Experience and Unfulfilled Refund Promise at The Leonard Hotel\n\nMy recent attempted stay at The Leonard Hotel in London (booked for June 12-14, 2025) was nothing short of a disaster and completely ruined part of my trip to London. This hotel is advertised as a "boutique" experience, but what we encountered was a far cry from that – a rundown, unhygienic environment and, most frustratingly, an unhonored refund agreement.\n\nMisleading Advertising & Unpleasant First Impressions\nUpon arrival, the lobby had a strong, pervasive smell of curry spice, which was off-putting and not what you'd expect from a supposed luxury boutique hotel. My own room, while "okay," felt more "shabby chic" than genuinely boutique, especially considering the high price point. The hotel's layout also contradicted its boutique claim; despite appearing small from the outside, the upper floors seemed to house around 20+ rooms each, down many hallways and doorways, feeling like an unorganized apartment building.\n\nDeteriorating Rooms & Unresponsive Staff\nMy family, who had booked an "upgraded" room, were met with an even worse situation. Their room was described as "really old and rundown," causing significant disappointment. When they tried to request a different room, they were told the hotel was "sold out," a claim that later proved false.\n\nThe Infestation & Appalling Service Recovery\nThe true nightmare began after dinner. Upon returning to my room, I spotted a shadow, which quickly turned into a mouse scurrying out from under the bed. It ran around my luggage, back under the bed, and then, alarmingly, out the half-inch gap under my room door. Discovering a rodent in your hotel room is absolutely horrifying.\n\nShaking, I immediately went to the front desk. To my astonishment, the staff seemed remarkably unconcerned, merely stating they would "send someone" to my room. Unable to stay in a room knowing a mouse was present and could easily re-enter, my heart pounding, I returned to the desk to check out.\n\nAt this point, despite previously claiming to be "sold out," they suddenly offered me another room. Given the late hour and the stress of finding alternative accommodation, I reluctantly decided to pack my belongings and try the new room. However, upon entering, I was hit with an overwhelming fragrance smell, as if the room had been doused with air freshener, likely to cover up another unpleasant odor. The smell was so strong it made me feel sick, and I knew instantly I couldn't stay there. I immediately informed them I was leaving. My family, equally disgusted by the unfolding events, also packed up and we all left to find another hotel.\n\nBroken Promises & Financial Frustration\nThe following day, we contacted the General Manager, Thomas, via email as advised. To his credit, he agreed to a 100% refund for my room charges. Unfortunately, this is where the professionalism ended. It has now been two weeks, and despite numerous follow-up emails and phone calls, I have received no refund and no response whatsoever from the hotel. I have now been forced to escalate the issue by disputing the charge with my credit card company.\n\nThis entire experience at The Leonard Hotel was incredibly frustrating. I urge anyone considering this hotel to look elsewhere."

"It is hard to beat the location of The Leonard. Sitting on the edge of Marylebone and Mayfair, it's easy to get anywhere. The hop on hop off buses have a large stop two blocks away. We went to a BST concert at Hyde Park, and it was perfect for that. The staff was friendly, and the room was clean. It was a great home base for our London adventure. I would definitely stay there again."